Mid-winter Polar Plunge

The mid-winter Polar Plunge - Connecting Christchurch and Antarctica.

Join the New Zealand Antarctic Society for a midwinter polar plunge at New Brighton Beach! Celebrate Christchurch’s unique role as a gateway to Antarctica by braving the icy ocean on the shortest day of the year.

Midwinter is the biggest celebration on the Antarctic calendar, historically marked by those wintering over by jumping into the freezing ocean. While many Antarctic stations have paused the tradition in recent years, we’re continuing it here in Christchurch!  Learn about the significance of midwinter and connect with Antarctica through the very ocean that connects it with New Zealand through powerful ocean currents and natural systems.

What to Bring:  Swimmers, warm clothes, towel, and maybe some tea and coffee in a thermos (costumes encouraged!)

Organised by:  NZ Antarctic Society with support from the International Antarctic Centre, New Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club and ChristchurchNZ.